Lewis Hamilton has completed his 400th Formula 1 Grand Prix, marking a significant milestone in his career. The seven-time world champion, currently 41 years old, continues to compete at the highest level with Ferrari in the 2026 season. His current performance has reignited discussions regarding his sustained capability and future in the sport.
Hamilton holds the statistical record for most race wins and pole positions in Formula 1 history. He is tied with Michael Schumacher for seven world championships, with many observers contending he should have eight due to the controversial 2021 season finale. His career includes numerous outstanding drives.
Between 2022 and 2025, during the ground-effect car era, Hamilton experienced a relative struggle. He was outscored by Mercedes teammate George Russell in two of their three seasons together. In 2025, he also appeared to be overshadowed by Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
These performances led to questions regarding his adaptability to the new car regulations and whether his age was a contributing factor. Hamilton, however, has consistently dismissed these concerns, citing his continued pace and dedication.
The 2026 season has seen Hamilton return to a more familiar performance level. He is currently running neck-and-neck with Leclerc, demonstrating a resurgence in form with the current car regulations. This has largely silenced the previous doubts about his capabilities.
Hamilton has expressed a desire to continue racing until Formula 1 returns to Africa. This event is not anticipated until 2030 at the earliest, by which time Hamilton would be 45 years old. Such longevity would require at least one new contract.
His current contract with Ferrari is a multi-year agreement, widely reported as a 2+1 deal, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons with an option for 2027. This means his guaranteed term concludes at the end of the 2026 season, with the 2027 option yet to be confirmed or renegotiated.
The prospect of racing into his mid-forties is not unprecedented in Formula 1. Fernando Alonso, for example, is 45 years old in 2026 and continues to perform at an extremely high level with Aston Martin, as evidenced by his recent strong showing in Brazil.
Formula 1 management has publicly stated its ambition to bring a Grand Prix back to Africa. Kyalami in South Africa is frequently mentioned as the preferred venue. While no firm date has been set, 2030 is a target year for this return, aligning with Hamilton’s stated career aspirations.
Hamilton referenced his 400th Grand Prix in Brazil, stating, “I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that. It’s crazy because I still feel young, and regardless of the things that people say, you saw my pole last week, I still have the pace, I still have the speed and I still have the dedication, which is most important and the focus. For me, that number is kind of irrelevant.”
I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that. It’s crazy because I still feel young, and regardless of the things that people say, you saw my pole last week, I still have the pace, I still have the speed and I still have the dedication, which is most important and the focus. For me, that number is kind of irrelevant.
